Pats’ Caserio interviews for Dolphins GM job

MIAMI (AP) New England Patriots executive Nick Caserio became the eighth candidate to interview for the job of general manager with the Miami Dolphins, who may finally be near a decision after a 2 1/2-week search.

After Caserio met Friday with the Dolphins, they had a second interview with Brian Gaine, the team’s assistant general manager. Tennessee Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson is also believed to be a finalist.

Caserio, the Patriots’ director of player personnel, has been in charge of their personnel department since 2008 and rebuilt a team that reached the AFC title game this season. He has also been director of pro personnel and receivers coach for the Patriots.

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Gaine was general manager Jeff Ireland’s top assistant the past three years. Ireland left after six seasons on Jan. 7 when he and owner Stephen Ross agreed to part ways. Miami faded late in the season to finish 8-8 and hasn’t been above .500 since 2008, the longest such stretch in franchise history.

Ross has taken part in all of the interviews. No candidates with experience as GMs have been interviewed.

Gaine has spent 15 years in NFL personnel and has been with the Dolphins for six seasons. He also worked for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.

Also interviewed were Buccaneers director of player personnel Dennis Hickey, Lions senior personnel director Brian Xanders, Browns assistant general manager Ray Farmer, Steelers director of football and business administration Omar Khan, and Cardinals vice president of player personnel Jason Licht. Farmer withdrew from consideration Friday, and Licht was hired this week as GM of the Buccaneers.